Over the next few months I'm going to be shining the spotlight on a few movers and shakers in the world of sports, movies, television and politics.  This feature will resemble the rapid fire final segment of James Lipton's "Inside The Actors Studio" and is intended to give readers a snapshot of the lives of prominent newsmakers.  

The first high profile person entering the octagon is Florida Marlins President David Samson:



1)  What is your biggest pet peeve about professional sports?
    
Players and executives who forget that it is the fans who pay all or most salaries.

2)  What is your philosophy about building a successful team without the financial resources of the Yankees, Red Sox or Mets?
   
In order to run a responsible business with comparatively lower revenue, we are forbidden to make mistakes.  In other words, at all times, each of our players must outperform their contracts.

3)  Who are your biggest influences in baseball?

Jeffrey Loria, Bob DuPuy and Fred Wilpon

4)  Who are your biggest influences outside baseball?

My father, Bill Gates and Senator Kent Conrad 

5) What is the first thing you would change if you were commissioner of MLB?

Institute a salary cap

6)  If you weren't in baseball, what would you like to be doing instead?

Either in politics or the President of a charitable foundation

7)  What movies have you liked during the past six months?

Benjamin Button, Milk, Slumdog Millionaire, Adventureland and Zach & Miri Make A Porno

8)  What movies have you hated during the past six months?

Doubt and He's Just Not That Into You

9)  What is your all-time favorite comedy and why?

Let It Ride w/ Richard Dreyfuss.  Wouldn't it be nice to just have one day?

10)  What is your all-time favorite drama and why?

Fearless w/ Jeff Bridges, directed by Peter Weir.  This is my all-time favorite movie.  If you have not seen it, take the time immediately. 

11)  Who is the craziest baseball player you have come across?

Billy Koch

12)  Who has the biggest ego in baseball?

Scott Boras

13)  Who is the nicest guy (current player, former player or manager) in baseball?

Rondell White

14)  Who is the smartest guy in baseball?

Bob DuPuy

15)  What three people would you like to play a round of golf with?

Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello & Yann Martel

16)  Who are the five funniest people in the world right now?

Brian Regan, Seth Rogen, David Letterman, Jim Carrey & Steve Martin




Special thanks to David for stepping up to the plate and belting a slider into the gap in right center for a stand up triple...